About Philosophy and Religion at UW
The B.A. in Philosophy and Religion at the University of Wyoming challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and explore some of life’s most enduring questions. Through philosophy, students develop sound, logical thinking skills while examining ancient and contemporary ideas about wisdom, ethics, knowledge, reality, and what it means to live well. Through religious studies, students explore the beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions of religions in the United States and around the world, learning to analyze how religion intersects with politics, society, culture, art, and everyday life. Rather than promoting a particular religious belief, our program gives you the tools to thoughtfully examine why people believe, practice and commit to particular traditions and how those commitments shape individuals and communities. Together, philosophy and religion provide students with a broad, interdisciplinary education that strengthens writing, speaking, analysis and problem-solving skills while preparing you to understand complex ideas, recognize connections, and consider the broader consequences of human decisions and actions.
Through the Department of Philosophy and Religion, we offer two minors for those who don't want to make philosophy and religion their primary degree.
- Philosophy Minor: Philosophy provides the critical thinking, logical reasoning, and innovative problem-solving skills necessary to be competitive in law, business, academia, tech, arts, and government.
- Religious Studies Minor: Religious Studies develops your ability to analyze beliefs, cultures and human behavior while building critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills valuable in careers across education, government, business, nonprofit organizations, law, and the arts.
Philosophy Courses
religious studies Courses
What Can You Do With a Philosophy and religion Bachelor’s Degree?
Studying religion and philosophy together provides powerful training for careers that depend on understanding human behavior, desires, and decision-making, including law, medicine, journalism, education, counseling, business, public policy, writing, and tech ethics. The philosophy component of this degree sharpens critical thinking communication and problem-solving while the religious studies component offers direct participation for religious professions such as ministry, youth leadership, music direction, and more, all without training student to believe in any particular tradition.
- Law
- Medicine
- Journalism
- Education
- Counseling
- Advertising
- Public Service
- Diplomacy
- Museum Work
- Editing
- Ministry
- Academia
- Business
- Cognitive science
- Computer science
- Consulting
- Government
- Publishing
- Real Estate
- Research
- Sales
- Technical Writing
Yes! Our rigorous and thought-provoking program provides excellent preparation for a wide range of graduate studies. In fact, many graduates of our program have continued their education in graduate programs at institutions such as:
- University of Wyoming
- Western Michigan University
- University of Minnesota
- Iliff School of Theology
- Colorado State University
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Texas
Yes! A philosophy degree is excellent preparation for law school. The courses in our program hone critical thinking, logical reasoning and strong writing skills. Notably, philosophy majors often score among the highest on the LSAT.
Yes. Our degree in philosophy and religion will train you for the rigors of almost any demanding job, whether in academia, law, business, or any number of other areas that require written, verbal, or reasoning skills. Again, our program builds on critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding, which are all diverse skills that help you create a strong foundation for many career paths.
The University of Wyoming's religious studies courses are not designed to persuade students to adopt or abandon any belief. Instead, they offer tools to analyze religions objectively, helping students understand beliefs and practices without challenging or promoting their own faith.
Stoic Camp: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Reflection
Stoic Camp has become a much-anticipated and deeply meaningful experience for philosophy students at UW. This unique mountain retreat invites you to engage with ancient Stoic texts through small group discussions, larger conversations and guest speaker sessions. Set in beautiful Centennial, WY, the camp combines serious reflection with outdoor adventures, such as hiking, bonfires, and sunrise meditation inspired by Marcus Aurelius. It's a chance to explore what it truly means to live with intention and purpose.
“I came out of Religion 4000 not only more educated, but also more confident in my capabilities as a student. I feel well-suited for the academic journey that lies ahead of me.”
- Religious Studies Alum
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.